A Festive Wonderland Awaits at JOALI Maldives: Where Tradition Meets Art and Wellness
Tuesday 12th of November 2024
This holiday season, JOALI Maldives is inviting guests to step into a festive world like no other. From December 21, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the resort will transform into a festive paradise, where art, luxury, and sustainability blend seamlessly with the spirit of the season. With a festive calendar brimming with activities for every age, JOALI promises an unforgettable holiday experience.
As the first art-immersive resort in the Maldives, JOALI is already known for its exceptional design and commitment to creativity. This holiday season, the island celebrates the "Tis the Season to be Jolly" theme, offering an art-filled, family-friendly escape. Whether you’re looking to rekindle childhood memories or create new traditions, JOALI has something for everyone.
One of the resort’s most enchanting highlights is the Christmas Tree Coral Planting event. Guests will have the opportunity to contribute to the resort’s ongoing Reef Restoration Project by attaching pieces of coral to a Christmas tree frame. This sustainable act connects guests to the natural beauty of the Maldives and offers a unique way to give back to the environment during the festive season.
The holiday magic begins with a spectacular Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, where the island’s majestic tree is illuminated against the backdrop of the crystal-clear waters. This sets the tone for a series of festive events, including a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner and a decadent Christmas Day brunch. The culinary offerings are nothing short of extraordinary, with a special focus on sustainability and innovation.
Festive Traditions with a Twist
JOALI Maldives celebrates traditional holiday customs with a twist. The Christmas tree lighting, for instance, is not just a visual spectacle but also a gathering point for guests to bond over the shared joy of the season. Santa Claus will make a festive appearance, spreading holiday cheer to young and old alike.
For those with a creative streak, the Holiday Ceramics workshop is a must-try. Guided by JOALI’s Resident Artist, guests can craft their own pottery, creating lasting memories and unique keepsakes. Another highlight is the JOALI Fashion Show, where guests become models for the day, showcasing exclusive capsule collections designed in collaboration with renowned brands like Aquazzura and Frescobol Carioca. Set against the tropical backdrop, this lively runway event adds a touch of glamour to the festivities.
For those seeking a more immersive experience with the environment, the Christmas Tree Coral Planting activity offers a meaningful way to contribute to the island’s ecological efforts. It’s a perfect blend of festive cheer and environmental awareness, making for a holiday experience that feels as good as it looks.
Gourmet Delights from Michelin-Starred Chefs
JOALI Maldives is taking its festive offerings to new heights with a stellar lineup of guest chefs and wellness experts who will guide guests through unforgettable culinary and wellness journeys.
Among the most notable culinary stars joining the resort this season is Chef Ekaterina Alehina, Russia’s first female Michelin-starred chef. At her acclaimed restaurant Biologie, she blends elements of animal, plant, fungi, and bacteria to create sustainable, mindful dishes. Chef Alehina will host an exclusive wine-paired dinner, offering guests a taste of her award-winning "circular gastronomy" concept, inspired by the interconnectedness of nature’s biological realms.
Joining her is Chef Nina Tarasova, an expert in confections and festive desserts. Chef Tarasova’s delicate and delicious creations will complement the resort’s festive dinners, including a sake-paired seafood and sushi feast at Saoke, the resort’s Japanese restaurant. Together, these chefs will transform JOALI’s culinary offerings into a celebration of sustainability and craftsmanship.
For those seeking wellness alongside indulgence, JOALI has curated a lineup of renowned wellness experts. Dr. Sanket Yadahalli, a naturopath with a global reputation for healing, will guide guests through therapies aimed at relieving stress, improving sleep, and enhancing overall vitality. His Tratak Meditation session promises to offer guests a transformative experience, fostering inner peace and focus during the holiday season.
Fitness enthusiasts will also have a chance to recharge with Gaia Pagnini, an Exercise Science expert. Pagnini, who has worked with top fitness brands like Technogym and Barry’s Bootcamp, will lead dynamic fitness classes designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. From high-intensity Boot Camps to Core & Balance classes, guests can stay active while enjoying the stunning island surroundings.
Festive Shopping and Exclusive Collections
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without the perfect gift, and at JOALI Maldives, guests can find something truly special. JOALI De Maison, the resort’s boutique, features limited-edition capsule collections designed in collaboration with brands like Aquazzura and Frescobol Carioca. The exclusive designs include a sandal and clutch set from Aquazzura, and tropical menswear and padel tennis equipment from Frescobol Carioca. Each piece is handmade with the finest Italian craftsmanship, embodying the luxury and beauty of the Maldives.
In New York City, JOALI’s influence extends beyond the island. Lysée, a pastry boutique by Michelin-starred pastry chef Eunji Lee, will offer a limited-time holiday dessert inspired by her visit to JOALI earlier this year. Chef Lee, named Food & Wine’s Best New Chef 2023, brings her unique approach to pastry, blending Korean ingredients with French techniques for a truly innovative treat.
A Stay at JOALI: The Ultimate Holiday Escape
A stay at JOALI Maldives is more than just a luxurious getaway—it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in a world of art, wellness, and festive joy. With 73 expansive beach and over-water villas, the resort offers a range of accommodations perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. Each villa comes with a personal Jadugar, or "skilled magician," who ensures every detail of your stay is tailored to your needs.
Rates start at $9,800 per night for a Beach Villa with Pool on a Bed and Breakfast basis. For guests seeking a transformative holiday experience that blends art, wellness, and sustainable luxury, JOALI Maldives offers the perfect escape.
To make a reservation or learn more about JOALI’s holiday offerings, visit the resort’s website or contact the reservations team.